Dalat Railway Station

Coming to vietnam da lat tourists will not only be surprised by the beautiful landscape, comfortable weather but also by the imprint of French architectures on this land. One of the most unique French monuments to recommend is Dalat Railway Station.

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Pho Lau

Pha Lau, the Best Vietnamese Street Food ever of Young People. A little sweet, a little sourish, a little touch, you can't stop when you start eat it, like an opium addict.

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A hot Pha Lau bowl with a little thick soup, tamarind fish sauces, chilli, breads .. Wow, delicious. Vietnamese gourmets, they won't skip this dish when they have a chance to taste it. It has 2 types of Pha Lau. One from Cow's Intestine and one from Pig's. In English, we can see it in another names as Beef Intestine Stew or Pig Intestine Stew. It just a steet food but no one can control its fascinating. This street food can implicate many generations from children, students, worker to eldely. You can see Pha Lau any where on streets in Vietnam. It is really popular Vietnamese Street Food.

>>> Other tips: vietnam travel 630875 likes · 5988 talking about this. We are willing to provide you a board image of Vietnam's culture, people, city

 

 

The cuisine combination between Vietnam and China from many years, so we can not find any where in the world has a great flavor of food like in Vietnam. Pha Lau includes stomach, small intestine, heart, lung ... from cows, pigs. They are cleaned before cooking. The simple processing is embalm multi flavors, next they are fried and hard boiled. First coconut syrup is the main material of Pha Lau's soup. 

Mutual general of Pha Lau stores is the customers sit on the plastic chair, eating and watiching streets. You can choose anything you want to eat. When eating this Vietnaemse Street Food, you will not use fork or chopsticks. Small wood sticks are the best choice for Pha Lau. With muti flavors from sourish, sweet, touch, hot of every single pieace can make your stressful disappear as soon as possible.
 

 

Now, Pha Lau appears in restaurants as well. However, as we always suggest, if you want to get reality experiences in Vietnam, and have a good stomach, you can eat on streets, markets such as Ben Thanh Market, Cho Lon ... Its cost around 10,000 VND to 15,000 VND. So cheap and Great. Do not skip this dish if you fall in love with Vietnamese Street Food. Good Luck for your trip.

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Street Food in Vietnam

Vietnamese Street Food is one of dishes you have to eat when you go to Vietnam. A trip to this country is not complete without tasting the street food. With emigration and globalization, many Vietnamese street food dishes have become popular favorites around the world.

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The iconic Vietnamese Beef Noodles or Pho Bo is perhaps one of the best known dishes and the Vietnamese spring rolls wrapped in rice paper or Cha Gio is another dish that is closely associated with the country. In evenings, if you get hungry, one Street Rice Noodle can feed you up. It includes Rice Noodle, Scrimp, Wonton and vegetable. It just cost from 10,000 VND to 15,000 VND. Never better !
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With Vietnamese ingredients now easily accessible in Chinatowns and supermarkets worldwide, you can prepare these delicious Vietnamese street food recipes in the comfort of your kitchen. When you hang out with friends, you can buy Fried Fish Balls to eat when you walk on streets. It uses with tomato and chilli syrup. There are many mini moving counters on streets buying it. So convenience.
 

 

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Place to visit in Langbiang Mountain - Dalat

In vietnam da lat is a popular tourist destination. Da Lat's specific sights are pine wood (forming the name: "City of thousands of pine trees") with twisting roads.Lang Biang Mountains is located on Lang Biang Plateau, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province. It’s only about 12km from Dalat centre and sometimes called Lam Vien Mountain as well.

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Enjoy bun cha Hanoi's old quarter

things to do in hanoi. You can eat hanoi's old quarter food street. Enjoy bun cha hanoi is one of the best ways to experience the authentic Vietnam in your trips to Vietnam, especially the Vietnamese street foods.

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Vinpearl land in Nha Trang

Located on one of the world’s most famous bays, Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort & Spa – an international five star hotel in the Vinpearl Nha Trang of hotel, tourism, resort and entertainment is considered to be “a twinkling pearl glued on the crown of the Sea queen”.

>>> Things to do in vietnam danang

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The romantic early winter beauty of flower petals in Ba Vi

With mountainous terrain, cool climate and rich vegetation. Coming Ba Vi in early winter, visitors will be admired a lot of beautiful flowers which make a blaze of colors. You will never be stuck for some things to do in hanoi, where ancient and proudly preserved Vietnamese culture is felt most keenly by visitors, and progress

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Nuoc mia, or sugar-cane juice

Sugar-cane juice is a type of drink commonly found in viet nam as a refreshing drink during the hot Vietnamese climate.

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Water puppetry (Vietnamese: Múa rối nước, lit. "puppets that dance on water") is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century CE when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern viet nam. Today's Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition.

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Museum of History in Hanoi, Vietynam

You will never be stuck for some things to do in hanoi, where ancient and proudly preserved Vietnamese culture is felt most keenly by visitors, and progress.

Originally established in the 1920s as the Musée Louis Finot and housed in a building which typifies the hybrid ‘Indochinese style’ of architecture, this museum traces the history of the Vietnamese people from the earliest times to the present day using displays of cultural and ethnological significance. Exhibits are displayed on two floors which cover an area of more than 2,000 metres. The first section contains relics from prehistoric times discovered at different sites throughout the country and dating mainly from the Paleolithic and the Neolithic eras.

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Ba Vi National Park Hanoi Vietnam

Ba Vi National Park is located in the five districts: Ba Vi, Thach That, Quoc Oai, Hanoi, Luong Son, Ky Son and it is far about 60 kilometers from Hanoi Vietnam along the highway 21A, 87.



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Ba Vi National Park is divided into three functional areas: Strict Conservation, Ecological Restoration and Administrative Services. Ba Vi is the average mountain and low mountain. In Ba Vi National Park, there have several mount with 1000 meters height such as: Dinh Vua (1296 meters), Tan Vien mount (1277 meters), Ngoc Hoa mount (1131 meters), Vien Nam mount (1081m) and Hang Hum mount (776 meters), Gia De (714 meters)… Ba Vi mountain range has large slope with the average slope about 250 meters.

The general characteristics of Ba Vi is dominated by mechanisms of monsoon. The average annual temperature in the region is 23,40oC. With this feature, this is an ideal holiday for tourists.

According to the list of flora collected from the samples and the results of additional investigation in 2008, Ba Vi National Park has 1201 species of vascular plants. The specific feature of the region of Ba Vi is that it has 5 species of Ercaceae and 6 species of Theacae and 19 species Fagaceae which is more than the numbers of Cuc Phuong National Park.

According to the investigation in 2008, the vertebrate fauna in Ba Vi National Park are 342 species. Besides, there has 70 species for meat, leather.

Entrance fee:

- Ticket for person: 15.000vnd/people

- Ticket for cars under 10 seats: 20.000vnd

- Ticket for cars more 10 seats: 25.000vnd

- Price ticket for motorbike: 2.000vnd

Price of some services at the Ba Vi National Park:

- Hotel Price:

+ Type 1: 400.000vnd/room

+ Type 2: 350.000 vnd/room

+ Type 3 (stilt): 2.000.000-2.500.000vnd/house

- Campfire: 1.000.000-1.500.000vnd

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Beo Cake is the speciality in Danang Vietnam

The danang vietnam likes the traditional cake on snack. “banh beo” is made simply: powdered rice soak into water for several minutes to have liquid. Then, mix with a little grease and pour into small cups. Enjoying “banh beo” properly is in each small cup, not in the bowl or plate as some restaurant, hotels.

Beo cake in Da Nang

The delicious “banh beo” is thanks to the shrimp, especially the sauce. Firstly, “nuoc mam” mixes with grease, sugar, garlic, chili and shrimp which create the unique flavor. When eating “banh beo”, people not use chopsticks but small bamboo stick. It is great when using it with spicy sauce. The sweetness of shrimp mixed with the flavor of garlic, chili… gives us unforgettable impressions.


More information: you can come to vietnam hanoi to eat speciality in there

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Tranh Stream Phu Quoc

Tranh Stream is a terrific spot that tourists who once have chance to drop by Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island district, should not miss out.

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About Tranh Stream

Tranh Stream is a terrific spot that tourists who once have chance to drop by Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island district, should not miss out. The 15km long stream which originates from Ham Ninh Mountain flows through diverse terrain in the forests to create beautiful waterfalls. White waterfalls flowing down in the greenery of the forest certainly draw a picturesque scene in front of the tourists’ very eyes. Perhaps, the name Tranh (picture) stems from the spectacular gorgeousness of the stream and surrounding scenery.

After just 15 minutes driving motorbike from Duong Dong town, tourists will reach Tranh Stream, an ideal place for relaxing picnics and camping trips at the weekend. Campers may take along some foods, set up a camp beside the stream, and then walk into the forest for sight-seeing, flora and fauna or bird watching.  It is much more interesting for visitors to hike through the forest on their own way, otherwise follow the available small paths with rocky steps along the stream. After a long hiking trip enjoying birds’ songs and orchid’s beauty, a grotto named “Hang Doi” (Grotto of Bat), which is 200 meters high on the mountain and the home to beautiful stalactites is supposed to be the next inviting site for tourists. Then, the travelers possibly will plunge into the cool stream for relaxation, and come back the camp for lunch at noon.

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Other things to see

Tourists who come to Tranh Stream definitely are surprised by a strange species of fish with the weight of 10kg, caught in Tranh Stream by the local in 2008. The fish has special dots on the head similar to the monk’s head and the tail always floats on the water when swimming. It is said that the fish is so rare and the local people do not see such an odd fish for a long time. Though a foreign tourist offered $1000 for the fish, it is still raised by the local tourism management team for exhibition purpose. Hence, tourists can go to Tranh stream and contemplate the special fish freely.

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Street Food in Hanoi's old quarter

Lò Đúc (located in Hà Nội City,viet nam) is a famous place to the local teenagers who are seeking for amazingVietnamese Street Food with reasonable price, the food here is calling everyone through its signature smelling especially at night.

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Tan Long Stork Garden

One of the many off-the-beaten-path attraction, Tan LongStork Garden deserves all your attention, if you still wonder what a typical Mekong Delta landscape looks like.

One of the many off-the-beaten-path attraction, Tan Long Stork Garden deserves all your attention, if you still wonder what a typical Mekong Delta landscape looks like. From Nga Nam township where Nga Nam floating market is located, follow provincial highway 42 for 5km until you reach Tan Long stork market. You can also rent a canoe down the river to visit the garden.

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Surprisingly, the garden was initiated and sustained by a local man – named Huynh Van Muoi. He has spent his past 32 years forming a space where Vietnamese white stork can land and take off, co-exist and reproduce. At the center of the garden is a 10m high tower which allows you to enjoy a breath-taking view from above onto the garden.

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In addition to bird-watching activities, you can also enjoy the traditional music performance and dishes of Southern Vietnam in Tan Long Stork Garden. This family-based ecological reserve can be ideally combined with a visit to Nga Nam Floating market, as morning trip or lunch stop.

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Temple Tran - Nam Dinh

Tran Temple in Nam Dinh is a famous destination, where kings of the Tran Dynasty and their mandarins are worshiped.

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Tran Temple in Nam Dinh is a famous destination, where kings of the Tran Dynasty and their mandarins are worshiped. The structure of this place has three main buildings, comprised of the Thien Truong Temple (Up Temple), Trung Hoa Temple (Center Temple), and Co Trach Temple (Down Temple).  Thien Truong Temple was established from the base of Trung Quang Palace in which the former King lived and worked.

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The first aisle of the temple has the altars and plaques of the Tran Dynasty’s mandarins. The other two aisles in the back are devoted to worshipping the Tran Kings and their ancestors, and the altars of their queens are located at the sides of the interior. Co Trach Temple is devoted to Tran Quoc Tuan, one of the most famous generals in the history of Vietnam, who had three epic victories for the Tran Dynasty against Mongol invaders. His family and most reliable assistant are memorialized, along with many other mandarins such as Truong Han Sieu and Pham Thien Nhan.  Trung Hoa Temple is a new building built in 2000 by the local authorities. This temple is used to worship all fourteen Kings of the Tran Dynasty along with their most respected mandarins.

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If you visit here on January 15th (lunar calendar) don’t miss the Tran Temple Festival, which celebrates the Tran Dynasty and its famous resistance against three Mongol invasions. This event is also a chance for people to pray for good fortune in their lives, and especially in business.        

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Top 10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Hanoi

It can often be a challenge being vegetarian or vegan in Vietnam. The cuisine is often flavored with animal bones, or sprinkled with dried meat, even if it is not a meat dish. But there are so many beautiful vegetables and fruits in the country, that when you start to look for alternative foods, you can start unlocking doors to beautiful and vibrant new culinary treasures. And there are some lovely restaurants catering to the vegetarian, with flavors to be tasted that will tantalize the taste buds, making you proud to be going animal-free.

1. Bo De Quan

A new location from 2015, this lovely little family business is a vegetarian restaurant in Tay Ho. Their new address, 164 Au Co, is an improvement on their previous location on the same street. They make their food with so much love that you can taste it. They have some of the best fresh spring rolls and fried nem you’ll ever taste. Be sure to try their banana soup sometime—it’s such a unique and delicious creation.

2. Daluva

Located on 33 To Ngoc Van, Daluva is always a wonderful dining experience. While not a vegetarian restaurant, Shay, the owner, is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about food. The artful menu is has vegetarian dishes labeled, making the vegetarian feel at ease. Asking for modifications on the menu, and vegan recommendations is never a problem; Shay is extremely accommodating. The falafel is always a treat, and there are often specials being featured weekly, as well as special events, such as wine tasting on Fridays nights.

3. Zenith Yoga

Zenith Yoga, with two locations—on at 247 Au Co and the other at 17 Duong Thanh, provides lovely and fresh vegetarian and vegan food in addition to their yoga classes. Decorated with lush pillows and relaxing atmosphere, it is a wonderful place to enjoy your meal. Their menu incorporates many fresh salads and sandwiches, soups and pizzas. They also do refreshing drinks and artfully presented coffees and desserts.

4. Thien Phat

If a tasty meal is what you want, Thien Phat is a great option, though they do have an extensive menu filled with veggie treasures. Located on 16 Hang Hanh (Just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake) and 91 Ly Thuong Kiet (a more premium location), this Vietnamese restaurant is a quaint operation, though the food is belly-warming and will leave you eager to come back. You can ask for brown rice, and they do many concoctions with fake meat that is very convincing.

There is buffet lunch twice a month for just $6 and you can sample the very best of Vietnamese's vegetarian food.

5. Gelato Italia

Gelato Italia deserves a mention as far as desert is concerned. Their luscious, creamy gelato is as good as any you’ll have in Italy. And theirs will have you a gelato convert, kissing ice cream good-bye. What is extraordinary about their menu is that they mention which flavors have egg and/or dairy, making the vegan as welcome as anyone. And their fruity flavors are almost all vegan; as is allegedly their dark chocolate, which is one of the richest, decadent things you’ll ever taste. Gelato Italia is located on 31 To Ngoc Van.

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Wel come to Vietnam!

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Railway station in Da Lat

Coming to Dalat, tourists will not only be surprised by the beautiful landscape, comfortable weather but also by the imprint of French architectures on this land. One of the most unique French monuments to recommend is Dalat Railway Station.

The history of the railway dated back to 1932, when its plan was finally carried out by two French architects named Moncet and Reveron, under the acceptance of Paul Doumer – the French Governor – General of Indochina from 1897 to 1902. Finally, the constrcution was completed 6 years later, after several difficulties such as the last stretch, traversing Lam Vien Plateau. However, it was largely unused since abandonment of the railway (due to attack) during the later years of the Vietnam War. In 1991, 7km of the track between Dalat and Trai Mat were reconstructed and launched into operation for tourists.
Being part of French colonists’ plan to turn Dalat into a paradise in Indochina, the 1500m-above-sea-level railway is now located at 1 Quang Trung St.

what to do in dalat 

Regarded as one of the finest piece of colonial engineering and architecture in Vietnam, the station was designed in Art Deco style which is perfectly in harmony with local characteristics and culture. Its three high pointed roofs resemble the three peaks of Lang Biang Mountain or as some people say, the communal house of ethnic minorities in Central Highland of Vietnam (called Nha Rong). Each roof contains multi-color glass window and the central roof has a huge clock which has been restored recently.
The other distinctive feature of Dalat railway station is the cog railways. The total length of the railway is 84km from dalat travelto Thap Cham station with 16km of cog railway designed by Swedish engineers. Because of the mountainous geography, a system of cog railroad and locomotive is needed to provide the traction for uphill slopes and slow down the train when going downhill. The construction had to overcome many difficulties of the mountainous terrain so that it leaded to such a long period of time to complete which was 24 years. 

Train Travel

In the past, there were two daily trains from Dalat to Nha Trang and Dalat to Saigon with three compartments for passengers and one for goods. However, during the Vietnam wars, the railways and station became the target of bombing and they were seriously destroyed. After the fall of Saigon and the national unification in 1975, the railways were repaired and put back into use.

Since 1991, Dalat railway station provided tourists with the 7km route from Dalat to Trai Mat station, where visitors can enjoy the fresh peaceful daily lifestyle of local people, find fresh vegetables and fruits in the local market, as well as visit small Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Sitting on the train going on a slow speed, tourists can enjoy the full sight of Dalat from different angles when the train is winding its way along hillside, as well as the purest atmosphere of the highland. Though the seat is not quite so comfortable, this train trip is really worth a try, thanks to the unique feeling of the past that it brings about.

The trip takes about 30 minutes and operated 5 times per day (at 7.45AM, 9.50AM, 11.55AM, 2.00PM and 4.05PM).
Ticket from Dalat to Trai Mat costs VND 106,000/foreigner and VND 72,000/Vietnamese.

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Peaks Langbiang

Lang Biang Mountains is located on Lang Biang Plateau, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province. It’s only about 12km from Dalat centre and sometimes called Lam Vien Mountain as well.

Location

Lang Biang Mountains is located on Lang Biang Plateau, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province. It’s only about 12km from Dalat centre and sometimes called Lam Vien Mountain as well.

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K’Lang and Ho Biang love story

Only 12km from the central of Dalat, you will see Lang Biang Mountains standing imposingly and beautifully like the roof of Dalat city.

Legend says that the name Lang Biang was derived from the name a couple who were deeply in love with each other - the boy named K'lang and the girl named Ho Biang. They fell in love with each other after K’lang saved Biang’s life from a fierce heard of wolves. However, they weren’t allowed to get married due to the long-standing feud between their tribes.

Generally, there are two versions of this story. One said that at last, they got married and then moved onto a mountain to live. Unfortunately, when Biang caught a critically illness, K’lang had to come back to the tribe to ask for help, the people here shot him with a poisonous arrow. However, it was Ho Biang to be shot since she had shielded her husband. K'lang could not suffer such loss, he cried and his tear made up a big stream which is now called Dankia (the Golden Stream). The second version said that: the couple committed suicide together since they couldn’t get married.

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In both versions, Ho Biang's father was so repentant of his daughter’s dead that he unified the tribes into one called K'ho and allowed boys and girls in K’Ho group to get married to each other. Their graves then grew into the two giant mountains, and in order to memorize the couple with profound love, the mountain range was renamed into what we call it today: Lang Biang.

The Dalat’s roof

Since Lang Biang consists of the two highest peaks of Lam Vien Highland: Lang Biang (2,167m) and 2,287m high Bidoup Ban, which is often regarded as the roof of Dalat. The mountain is famous for its spectacular nature, as well as its marvelous view of the whole wide area of Dalat City, the forest, the rivers and houses of tribal people.

Standing on the top of Lang Biang Mountain, tourists can see the Golden Stream and Silver Stream, or observe fanciful Dalat, which looks like a lush green valley with two pieces of silver silk (the Golden and Silver Stream)

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Visitor information

Activity

Camping, exploring the natural flora, bird-watching and enjoying the unique culture of ethnic minority groups are recommended activities for tourists coming to Lang Biang. Also, Lang Biang is an ideal place for adventurous activities like mountain climbing, conquering high peaks, paragliding and trekking. “Thung lung Tram nam” (Hundred-year valley) which lies at the foot of the mountain is regarded as an entertainment and ecological tourist site.

How to get there

For those who enjoy the convenience of transport, car and motorbike are absolutely suitable to climb up the beautiful path to Lang Biang peak. Moreover, trek-goers wouldn’t be disappointed with such a challenge. The up-to-the-top-hike takes from 3 to 4 hours.

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Where to go in the Outskirts of Ha Noi?

When mentioned Ha Noi, most people would think about the Old Quarter, Lake Hoan Kiem, the Temple of Literature, etc. These are famous tourist attractions that have great value both in history and culture. However, there are other things to do in hanoi, the Outskirts of Ha Noi, to be exact. Many tourists have come to Ha Noi and missed out on these destinations. This article should remind you some famous tourist attractions on the outskirts of Ha Noi that you must see with your own eyes.

Bat Trang Pottery Village.

The products of Bat Trang village are displaying

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Ba Trai Dao Islet hidden beauty

"To arrive at Ba Trai Dao Islet, one of the most well-known attractions of Halong Bay, visitors must probably spend from 9 to 10 hours on the cruise"

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Con Dao Archipelago history

Con Dao is the biggest archipelago in Ba Ria- Vung Tau province, and is also the most famous one in term of tourism. This archipelago contains 16 islands with the total size of 76 square kilometers, and the largest among them is Con Lon Island.

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How to get around in hanoi Old Quater

Ever wonder how to get around Hanoi Old Quarter? Below are a comprehensive list of what you can use to discover old city

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Ever wonder how to get around Hanoi Old Quarter? Below are a comprehensive list of what you can use to discover old city:

1/ Taxi:

Taxi is inexpensive and abundance in Hanoi Old Quarter. Make sure you get on a taxi that has a brand and a phone number. Although there are cases of taxi scams reported in the past, it happens rarely during the day. The most trusted taxi brand is Taxi Group (painted white with red and blue line). Costs: $50-75 cents/ km.

2/ Bus:

There are buses that connect Hanoi Old Quarter with the rest of the city. The most noted ones are:

- Number 9: connection to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (depart from bus stop near Hoan Kiem Lake)

- Number 14: connection to East side of the West Lake (depart from bus stop near Hoan Kiem Lake)

- Number 31: connection to Giap Bat Bus station (depart from bus stop near Hoan Kiem Lake)

- Number 17: connection to Noi Bai Airport (depart from bus stop near Dong Xuan market)

- Number 23: connection to Temple of Literature (depart from bus stop on Ly Nam De street)

If you want to experience the most local way of life, taking a bus is the best idea. Make sure you print out a bus map in advance. Ticket costs: 7,000 VND (about 30 cents)

3/ Train:

There is no train line inside the city

4/ Walking:

Hanoi Old Quarter is not the most pedestrian-friendly city in the world, but walking is the best way to explore the Old Quarter. Walking from one end to another in the Old Quarter takes about 30 minutes.

5/ Cyclos:

Cyclo normally only does trip around the Old Quarter and to nearby attraction such as Temple of Literature but not longer than that. It is an enjoyable way to slowly swallow in the beauty of the city. Agree on a price before you set to go.

6/ Electric car:

Several electric cars run tours around the Old Quarter. Sometimes it does not have fixed schedule but wait until it gets full, or you can pay full fare to charter the car. These cars will take you around the Old Quarter to highlighted streets.

7/ Cycling:

Hanoi Old Quarter is not the best place for cyclists. Way too many motorbike and honking will just make a ride not a recommended thing to do.

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Tran Quoc pagoda in Thanh Nien Street, Hanoi

Located on a small penisula on the East side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years.

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Located on a small penisula on the East side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years. The architecture of this Buddhist center is a subtle combination between the solemn and beautiful landscape on the peaceful and quiet ambiance of West Lake’s surface. Thanks to these historical and architectural values, Tran Quoc Pagoda attracts many tourists to pay a visit, both inside and outside of Vietnam.

History 

Tran Quoc Pagoda was first erected with the name “Khai Quoc” (Opening a country) during King Ly Nam De Dynasty, between year 544 and 548 on the bark of Red River (approximately within Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District now). Till the 15th century, during King Le Thai Tong reign, it was renamed to “An Quoc”, which means a peaceful country.

In 1915, due to a serious landslide ingrained into the pagoda’s foundation that made the incumbent government and people to move the whole construction to Kim Ngư Island on the East of West Lake, and this is Tran Quoc Pagoda’s current location that you can witness in this day and age.

The renaming process didn’t stop until it was changed to the name “Tran Quoc Pagoda”, meaning protecting the country, during King Le Huy Tong dynasty (1681-1705). Through each name of the pagoda, we can see a milestone of the country as well as the wishes of its people attached to this holy sanctuary.

Landscape and architecture

Famous for stunning scenery and sacred sanctuary, Tran Quoc Pagoda used to be a favorite sightseeing place of many kings and lord of Vietnam, especially during festivals, full moon days or Tet. Up until now, the pagoda can still preserve its fame although the landscape has been affected by urbanization.

Besides the front gate facing the crowded Thanh Nien Road, this 3,000m2 complex is surrounded by sliver tide of West Lake, and is designed according to strict rules of Buddhist architecture with many layers of buildings and three main houses called “Tiền Đường”, a house for burning incense and thượng điện. These rooms are connected with each other to form a Công script (工).

The precinct of Tran Quoc Pagoda is highlighted by a high stupa that you may recognize from a far erected in 1998. This stupa is composed of 11 floors with a height of 15m; each floor has a vaulted window holding a statue of Amitabha made from gemstone. On the top stands a nine-storey lotus (Cửu đỉnh liên hoa) and is also gemstone. This stupa is situated symmetrically with the 50-year-old Bodhi tree gifted by former Indian President on the occasion of his visit to Hanoi in 1959. Abbot Thich Thanh Nha of Tran Quoc Pagoda explains the meaning of this correlation: “The lotus represent Buddha while the Bodhi is a symbol of supreme knowledge”.

Not only that, Tran Quoc is also a small museum of priceless antiques dated thousands to hundreds years old like worshiping statues in the front house. These statues are all engraved and polished meticulously by skillful craftsmen, which all bear spectacular features. Among them, the outstanding one is the statue “Thích ca thập niết bàn”, which is evaluated as the most beautiful statue of Vietnam.

With all the historical and architectural values it possesses, Tran Quoc Pagoda is not only worth visiting as a sacred sanctuary of Buddhism attracting countless Buddhist believers; but also an indispensible destination for cultural explorers to Vietnam.

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Thung Nai Hoabinh

Thung Nai impresses anyone who sees it from the very first time with the harmonious combination of mountains, lakes and charming houses nestled in between the high hills.

Location

Located in Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, just about 110km north-east of Hanoi center, Thung Nai is a popular destination for weekend retreat of both tourists and upper class Hanoians who can afford the time and cost.

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History

Once upon a time, Thung Nai was a great valley covered by the vast forest, which is home to numerous deer. Hence, the local people call it “Thung Nai” means “the Valley of deer”.

Since the 1980s when the Da River hydropower plant was constructed, Thung Nai has become a huge lake containing the water served for the operation of this hydropower plant. All initial surrounding high mountains become floating green islands and create poetic and magnificent scenery which can enchant any tourist. Thung Nai is called “the second Ha Long Bay on land” in the North of Vietnam (the first position was taken by Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh province).

Visitor Information

Most tourists traveling to Thung Nai choose the Windmill guesthouse, which is located on Friends Island as an ideal place for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The guesthouse area consists of a large two-storey redbrick house and a windmill offering visitors a breath-taking view of Thung Nai, a stilt house functioning as a communal dinning place, and a tennis court lying in the lush orchard. The Windmill itself is often regarded as an attraction of Thung Nai.

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Activities

Staying in the Windmill, tourists will be served local specialties like grilled Muong pork, smoked or grilled Da River fish, or fish sour soup, and straw wine. After the dinner, tourists, especially the youngsters often gather for the campfire in front of the guesthouse, and watching the sparkling fishing canoe floating in the lake by night.

Waking up in the morning, tourists can refresh themselves by breathing the fresh air and enjoying the natural beauty in early morning. A boat tour to discover sites around the lake in Thung Nai like Ba Chua Thac Bo temple, Thac Bo grotto (with a lot of stalactite in various shapes), Ngoi Hoa village of Muong people is also a good option. Especially, tourists who luckily come here on Sunday morning can drop by Thac Bo floating market, just 20 minutes by boat from the Windmill, where they can buy fresh fish, shrimp caught by local people. 

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Best time to visit Thung Nai

Thung Nai is said to be most beautiful in the autumn, when the water level reaches the highest and the valley is filled with the romantic lake water. Try visiting Thung Nai this time to best enjoy the landscape.

How to get there

From Hanoi, tourists can travel to Thung Nai easily by car or motorbike. After riding along the National Highway 6 and reaching Hoa Binh town, turn right and keep riding 20km toward the upstream of Da River then stop at Binh Thanh marina. From here, tourists will get on the boat and begin the trip to discover the beauty of Thung Nai.

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